Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism

As attorneys, we believe that education is not only a tool for personal development, but also the means by which individuals can better their own lives and ultimately shape and improve their communities. We know that earning a post-secondary degree can be the difference between a strong, successful career and a lifetime of hardship. We want that opportunity to be open to all students equally, especially those who have autism and often face obstacles that other students do not.

The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship is open to high-achieving students who meet two key criteria:

A) Either you or a close family member has been diagnosed with a form of autism, including Asperger syndrome, and

B) Applicant must be an enrolled student at an accredited college, university, or vocational school, or be accepted to begin school at an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the semester for which the application is being offered.

Additionally, applicants should submit an essay on one of the topics listed below with a minimum of 500 words and maximum of 1,000 words.

Our hope is that this scholarship will help offset the financial burden of attending school for a deserving student who is facing unique challenges because of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hope that all eligible students will apply, and look forward to bestowing this grant.

Essay Topics:

A) Tell us about a time that you have had to overcome an obstacle as a person with autism that other people would not have had to face.

B) Explain how your loved one’s autism has affected you and how you have adapted to help them.

C) Answer this question: What do you feel is the biggest obstacle holding back people with autism today?

Applicant Requirements:

A) Applicant must be an enrolled undergraduate student at an accredited college, university, vocational school, or be accepted to begin school as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university for the Fall 2020 semester.

B) Applicant must submit their most recent official or unofficial transcript (i.e. high school, college, or post-graduate)

How to Apply:

To apply for the Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism, please complete the form below and upload the following items in a .pdf or .doc file.

A) An essay: minimum 500 words and maximum 1,000 words, on one of the three topics listed above.

B) An official or unofficial academic transcript.